Accession Number:

AD0745781

Title:

Atmospheric Electricity and the Apollo Series

Descriptive Note:

Scientific note 1969-1972

Corporate Author:

STANFORD RESEARCH INST MENLO PARK CA

Personal Author(s):

• Nanevicz, Joseph E.
• Pierce, Edward T.
• Whitson, Arthur L.

Report Date:

1972-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

84.0

Abstract:

Ground-test measurements were made during the launches of Apollo 13 and 14 in an effort to better define the electrical characteristics of a large launch vehicle. Of particular concern was the effective electrical length of the vehicle and plume since this parameter markedly affects the likelihood of a lightning stroke being triggered by a launch during disturbed weather conditions. Since no instrumentation could be carried aboard the launch vehicle, the experiments were confined to LF radio noise and electrostatic-field measurements on the ground in the vicinity of the launch pad. The philosophy of the experiment and the instrumentation and layout are described.

Descriptors:

• *LAUNCH VEHICLES
• *ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY
• TEST METHODS
• TEST EQUIPMENT
• ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
• EXHAUST GASES
• MANNED SPACECRAFT
• LOW FREQUENCY
• RADIO INTERFERENCE
• ELECTROSTATICS

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Manned Spacecraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE